Our Top 5 Ways to Stay Healthy in Cold and Flu Season
Here are the top 5 ways to stay healthy during cold and flu season from your acupuncturists at Ali Ali Healing:
1. Practice Good Hygiene
This can never be said enough. Wash your hands before preparing or eating food and after being out in public and touching door handles, payment terminals, etc, that are surely covered in germs. Wash for a full 20 seconds, or it doesn’t count. Hand washing is better than using hand sanitizer.
2. Keep Your Digestion Strong (Support Spleen Qi)
A strong digestive system is key to overall health. Support your Spleen by:
Avoiding excessive frozen, cold, and raw foods, which weaken digestion.
Eating warm, cooked meals like congee or soups.
Avoiding overeating or eating after dinner, which can impair Qi production.
Limit sugar consumption.
3. Get Enough Sleep
Getting enough restorative sleep to allow your body to replenish its Qi. The average adult needs 7-9 hours of sleep per night.
4. Balance Emotions and Manage Stress
Emotional health is closely tied to physical health. Minimize stress, as it depletes Qi and weakens your immunity, by:
Practicing mindfulness, meditation, or breathing exercises.
Spending time outdoors for fresh air and sunlight, as long as you dress warmly.
Seeking acupuncture treatments to harmonize emotional imbalances.
5. Cover Your Windgate
The windgate in Chinese Medicine is the nape of the neck. This is a key entry point for pathogens, particularly wind, which is often the first pathogen to enter and bring others with it, such as cold or heat.
Wear a scarf in windy and cold weather to keep this area covered.
Dress appropriately for the weather; pathogens can also enter from other areas of the body.
In Conclusion
Creating these habits won’t guarantee you won’t get sick, but they will minimize how often and how severe it is. Acupuncture isn't just for addressing pain or health issues; it's a proactive way to maintain a state of wellness and balance in your life. Regular acupuncture treatments can help strengthen your immune system, support your energy levels, and promote emotional harmony, making it an excellent tool for staying healthy year-round. By integrating acupuncture into your self-care routine, you can foster resilience and vitality, ensuring you're not just avoiding illness but thriving in every season.
Ready to integrate acupuncture into your routine for maintaining wellness? Schedule a free consultation today!